The Lords Day Worship Service

August 26, 2012 ~ New City Church Calgary

Welcome We are glad you have joined us today. Whether you are a Christian seeking to grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ, or a skeptic looking for answers, or someone who is struggling to make sense of life and are looking for a caring community, you are warmly welcome here. Were glad you came. There is a nursery available for kids aged 0-2 years. Kids are always welcome in the service with us too. After the Service Please stay around for some refreshments after the service and meet someone new. If we havent met you before, please come say Hello. Wed like to make that connection. Pastors John Ferguson & Mike Ivancic

Reflections & Preparation for Worship O God, by Your power may we, together with all the saints, comprehend the breadth and length and height and depth of the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that we may be filled with Your fullness. Amen. ~ based on Ephesians 3:18-19
The gospel does not command us to do anything in order to obtain life, but bids us live by that which another has done; and the knowledge of its life-giving truth is not labour but restrest of soulrest which is the root of all true labour; for in receiving Christ we do not work in order to rest, but we rest in order to work. In believing, we cease to work for pardon, in order that we may work from it; and what incentive to work, as well as joy in working, can be greater than an ascertained and realized forgiveness? ~ Horatius Bonar, Scottish minister, 1808-1889 The Christian way is different: harder, and easier. Christ says, Give me All. I dont want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want You. I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it. No half-measures are any good. I dont want to cut off a branch here and a branch there, I want to have the whole tree down. I dont want to drill the tooth, or crown it, or stop it, but to have it out. Hand over the whole natural self, all the desires which you think innocent aw well as the ones you think wickedthe whole outfit. I will give you a new self instead. In fact, I will give you Myself: my own shall become yours. ~ CS Lewis, Mere Christianity Spiritual growth is not about moving on from where we beganthe gospel. Its about growing deeper in the gospel. Or rather, getting the gospel deeper into us. ~ Brian Hedges, Christ Formed In You What are we to make of Christ? There is no question of what we can make of Him; it is entirely a question of what He intends to make of us. ~ C.S. Lewis

 God Calls Us To Worship Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. ~ Psalm 150:6
The Call to Worship Leader: People: ~ based on Isaiah 12:2-6

Sing praises, for the Lord has done great things. Let this be known in all the earth. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, For the Lord God is my strength and my song, And He has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name, Make known His deeds among the peoples Proclaim that His name is exalted. Sing praises to the Lord, for He has done great things. Let this be known I all the earth. Shout to the North

Leader: Unison:

Leader:

Hymns of Praise & Worship Men of faith rise up and sing Of the great and glorious King You are strong when you feel weak In your brokenness complete chorus Shout to the North and the South Sing to the East and the West Jesus is Saviour to all Lord of heaven and earth Rise up women of the truth Stand and sing to broken hearts Who can know the healing power Of our awesome King of love (repeat chorus) We've been through fire We've been through rain We've been refined by the power of His name We've fallen deeper in love with you You've burned the truth on our lips (repeat chorus) Rise up church with broken wings Fill this place with songs again Of our God who reigns on high By His grace again we'll fly (repeat chorus) A Mighty Fortress Is Our God A mighty fortress is our God A bulwark never failing Our helper He amid the flood Of mortal ills prevailing For still our ancient foe Doth seek to work us woe His craft and powr are great And armed with cruel hate On earth is not his equal Our striving would be losing

Did we in our own strength confide

Were not the right man on our side The man of Gods own choosing Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He Lord Sabaoth His name From age to age the same And He must win the battle And though this world with devils filled Should threaten to undo us We will not fear for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us The prince of darkness grim We tremble not for him

His rage we can endure For lo! his doom is sure One little word shall fell him That word above all earthly powrs No thanks to them, abideth The Spirit and the gifts are ours Through Him who with us sideth Let goods and kindred go This mortal life also The body they may kill Gods truth abideth still His kingdom is forever

Be Unto Your Name We are a moment, You are forever Lord of all ages, God before time We are a vapor, You are eternal Love everlasting reigning on high Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty Worthy is the Lamb who was slain Highest praises, honour and glory Be unto Your name Be unto Your name We are the broken, You are the healer Jesus Redeemer, mighty to save You are the love song well sing forever Bowing before You blessing Your name Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty Worthy is the Lamb who was slain Highest praises, honour and glory Be unto Your name Be unto Your name

God Graciously Renews Us in Christ Have mercy on me, O God, in Your faithful love, in Your great tenderness wipe away my offenses; wash me thoroughly from my guilt, purify me from my sin. ~ Psalm 51:1-2
Call to Confession Leader: ~ Jeremiah 17:9

The Lord has spoken through the prophet Jeremiah saying, The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick; who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind.

Prayer of Confession Leader: Gracious God, our sins are too heavy to carry, too real to hide, and too deep to undo. ~ Silent confession and reflection. Forgive what our lips tremble to name, what our hearts can no longer bear, and what has become for us a consuming fire of judgment. ~ Silent confession and reflection. Set us free from a past we cannot change;

open to us a future in which we can be changed. ~ Silent confession and reflection. Leader: And grant us grace to grow more and more in Your likeness and image; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. ~ based on 1 John 1:8-2:1

The Words of the Gospel Leader:

While it is true that we have sinned, it is a greater truth that God offers forgiveness to all who turn to the Lord Jesus Christ seeking His grace and pardon. He is the Righteous Oneour Advocate, who speaks in our defense. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and for the sins of the world. To all who humbly seek the mercy of God, I say to you, that in Christ Jesus your sins are forgiven!

Song of Response How High And How Wide No eye has seen And no ear has heard And no mind has ever conceived The glorious things That You have prepared for everyone Who has believed You brought us near And You called us Your own And made us joint heirs With Your Son chorus How high and how wide How deep and how long How sweet and how strong Is Your love How lavish Your grace How faithful Your ways How great is Your love O Lord Objects of mercy Who should have known wrath We're filled with unspeakable joy Riches of wisdom unsearchable wealth And the wonder of knowing Your voice You are our treasure And our great reward Our hope and our glorious King (repeat chorus)

 God Gives Us His Words of Eternal Life Lord Jesus, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life! Let your word dwell in us richly, that whatever we do, in word or deed, we may do everything in Your name, giving thanks to the Father through You. ~ based on John 6:68, Colossians 3:16-17

Todays Scripture Lesson:

Terrifying Good News

Jeff Kerr, Asst. Pastor Crestwood Pres. Church, Edmonton

MARK 16:1-8

16 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb? 4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you. 8 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
Leader: Unison: This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
(notes)

 God Feeds Us His Covenant Meal From the east and the west, from the north and the south, people will come and take their places at the banquet in the Kingdom of God. ~ based on Luke 13:29
A Word About Participating in The Sacrament of The Lords Supper The Lords Supper is a special family meal that Christ gave to His Bride, the Church. For Christians, this meal is a time to receive these signs and seals of the New Covenant which Christ has established with them. Believers come to this Table to meet with their Lord and Saviour by faith, to be renewed by Him and strengthened in their callings and mission as they eat the bread and drink the wine. Therefore, all baptized Christians who trust in Christ alone as their Lord and Saviour and who are connected to a church that proclaims his Gospel are invited to come to the Table. If you are not yet a Christian, or if for whatever reason you are not prepared to share in this meal, we would encourage you to spend this time in prayer (perhaps using one of the prayers listed below). Consider the invitation of Jesus, I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirstfor my Fathers will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day (John 6:35, 40). We would ask that children who have not yet professed belief in the Lord Jesus also refrain from partaking until doing so. The pastor would be delighted to speak to families about what it means to participate in the Lords Supper. The Words of Institution

The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood, do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lords death until he comes. ~ 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
The Sacrament of The Lords Supper Please come forward by rows to the center aisle and form a semi-circle in front of the Table to receive the bread and the wine. When finished, place your cup at the side tables and proceed to your seat via the outer isles. If you are unable to come forward we would be delighted to serve you at your seat. New City Church uses wine in serving the Lords Supper. We would encourage you to take of the wine since it is a symbol of joy and celebration in Scripture. However, juice is also provided if you cannot drink wine due to health reasons or issues of conscience.

Prayers for Those Not Communing A Prayer Searching for the Truth: Jesus, You claim to be the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one comes to the Father except by You. If what You claim is true, please guide me and teach me. Open to me the reality of who You are. Grant that I might be undaunted in following You as I consider the reasons for doing so. Give me an understanding of You that is coherent, convincing, and leads to the eternal life that You promise. Amen. A Prayer of Trust in the Lord Jesus: Jesus, I confess that I am more broken, flawed, and sinful than I had ever before dared to admit. Yet You tell me that I am more loved than I ever dared to hope, and that You accept all who turn to you in simple faith. I am doing that right now. I thank You for taking the justice that my sins deserved when You died on the Cross. I eagerly trust You for the forgiveness for my sins, and I receive from You now the eternal life that You promise to all who come to You. Amen. A Prayer for Those Struggling with Sin: Lord Jesus, You know the battle that rages within my heart. Grant that in my battles with sin, I may see in You the fulfillment of all my needs. Give me strength to turn from every false satisfaction to find my ultimate joy in You. Enable me to lay aside the sin that clings so closely to me, and fill me with Your Spirit to run with perseverance the race You have set before me, looking to You, the pioneer and champion of my faith. Amen. A Prayer for Children (who have yet to profess faith): Jesus, the Bible tells me that You blessed kids like me. Help me to know who You are and to understand what You have done for me. Amen. Communion Hymns O The Wonderful Cross When I survey the wondrous cross, On which the Prince of Glory died My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride See from his head, his hands, his feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down Did ever such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown
chorus

O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross Bids me come and die and find that I may truly live O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross All who gather here by grace draw near and bless Your name Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were an offering far too small Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all
(repeat chorus)

Be Exalted I will give thanks to Thee O Lord, among the peoples I will sing praises to Thee Among the nations

For Thy steadfast love is great Is great to the heavens And Thy faithfulness Thy faithfulness to the clouds Be exalted, O God, above the heavens Let Thy glory be over all the earth
(repeat)

Thy Mercy, My God Thy mercy, my God, is the theme of my song The joy of my heart, and the boast of my tongue Thy free grace alone, from the first to the last Hath won my affection and bound my soul fast Without Thy sweet mercy, I could not live here Sin would reduce me to utter despair But through Thy free goodness, my spirit's revived And He that first made me still keeps me alive Thy mercy is more than a match for my heart Which wonders to feel its own hardness depart Dissolved by Thy goodness, I fall to the ground And weep for the praise of the mercy I've found Great Father of mercies, Thy goodness I own In the covenant love of Thy crucified Son All praise to the Spirit, Whose whisper divine Seals mercy and pardon and righteousness mine

God Receives Our Offerings lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ~
Jesus, in Matthew 6:20-21

The Prayers of the People Leader: Unison: Let us pray

(The leader prays for specific requests as the assembly prays along with him).

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our debts

As we also have forgiven our debtors And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, Now and forever. Amen. The Presentation of our Tithes and Offerings This collection of our tithes and offerings is for those who consider New City Church their church family and regularly benefit from her ministry and want to invest in her mission. If you are visiting with us, please feel no obligation to give. Hymn of Praise & Worship Let Your Kingdom Come Your glorious cause, O God, engages our hearts May Jesus Christ be known wherever we are We ask not for ourselves, but for Your renown The cross has saved us so we pray Your Kingdom come chorus Let Your Kingdom come Let Your will be done So that everyone might know Your Name Let Your song be heard everywhere on earth Till Your sovereign work on earth is done Let Your Kingdom come Give us Your strength, O God, and courage to speak Perform Your wondrous deeds through those who are weak Lord use us as You want, whatever the test By grace well preach Your gospel Til our dying breath (repeat chorus) Our Confession of Faith Leader: Unison: ~ from 1 Corinthians 15:1-6; Matthew 16:16; Revelation 22:13; John 20:28

Let us together profess our faith by saying This is the good news which we have received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved, if we hold fast: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day, and that he appeared to Peter, then to the Twelve, and then he appeared to over five hundred witnesses at one time.

The language of debt/debtor is not to be understood primarily in a financial sense but in the moral/ theological sense of our indebtedness due to our sins against God and others, or the sins others may have committed against us.

We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus Christ is the first and the last the beginning and the end; He is our Lord and our God. Amen.

God Sends Us Out Into The World With His Blessing God has shown you what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. ~ from Micah 6:8
Leader: People: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Corinthians 13:13) . Amen.

Community Life
Thanks for visiting New City Church! Were delighted to have had you with us today. If you are looking for a place to explore Christianity and its life-changing relevance, we hope that you will find New City Church a safe place to ask questions and to grow in your understanding of the person and mission of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you have any questions about New City Church, Christianity, or the uniqueness of Jesus of Nazareth, please dont hesitate to ask us. You can contact Pastor John at john@newcitychurch.ca or call 403.991.5555. If you work in the downtown area, touch base with Pastor Mike Ivancic who also works in downtown. You can contact Mike at mike@newcitychurch.ca or call 403.828.2241. Special Thanks to Pastor Jeff Kerr Special thanks to Pastor Jeff Kerr for his help in filling the pulpit & preaching for us while Pastor John is on study leave. Pastor Jeff is the Assistant Pastor at our sister church in Edmonton, Crestwood Presbyterian Church. Jeff received his degree from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. Jeff & his wife Katie have two children. Potluck Luncheon: Next Sunday after the Service On the first Sunday of every month, we celebrate a meal together after the service. Its potluck style so please bring enough food for your family plus a few others so we can invite our guests to stay. We want to be intentional in building regular times in which our lives intersect as we seek to create authentic community at New City Church. Food Collection for The Mustard Seed On the first Sunday over every month (coinciding with our potluck meals), we are collecting food to help stock the food pantry at the Mustard Seed. Please bring non-perishable foods to help feed those in need in our city.

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Happy Two Year Anniversary New City Church Next week at our potluck luncheon well mark two years of Gods blessing on New City Church. We have much to be grateful as we look back, and much to expect as we move forward. Pastor John will give a brief State of the Church address during the luncheon highlighting various ministry endeavors for the fall semester. Make plans to stay for the luncheon and celebrate with us the goodness & kindness of the Lord in giving us New City Church. Kids Club News The fall season is right around the corner and Kids Club needs help planning events this year. If you are interested in helping out behind the scenes please let Lori know as soon as possible. (403-2867088 or 5blakeleys@gmail.com). Fall Sunday School New City Church would like to offer Sunday School for toddlers to Gr. 6 this fall. We are still looking for 2 more teachers and 2 more helpers in order to run all the classes. If you are interested in being a part of this ministry please contact Lana Bottomley ASAP. Also, if you haven't registered your children for Sunday school please let Lana know at 403-208-9354 or the-bottomleys@shaw.ca Intro to New City Church Class Do you want to learn more about Christianity? Do you want a clearer idea of the beliefs & mission of New City Church? Are you interested in potentially joining NCC? Then join us for this class exploring who we NCC is as a community of faith. Come, join others & bring your questions. The next class will be held on Saturday, September 15th from 9:00-2:00pm. Lunch & snacks are provided. Childcare is available if needed. Be sure to sign up online at www.NewCityChurch.ca. Speak to Pastor John for more details. Attention Young Adults (College & Career) Beginning this Fall, New City Church will be hosting a community group just for you. Well be working through a video discussion called H20: A Journey of Faith. Whether you are a follower of Christ, skeptical, or just unsure of what you believe, this basic introduction to Jesus Christ who claimed to be able to quench our spiritual thirst may be just what you are looking for. So why not join up with other Young Adults for this study? For more info, please touch base with Pastor John. New City Youth Group Worldview Training: Grades 10-12 Were launching a youth ministry designed to ground our senior high youth in a biblical world & life view. Led by Glen & Annette Torhjelm & Heather Ferguson, the focus of this youth group will be to understand that Christianity is worth thinking about, literally. There are good reasons for our faith that can satisfy the mind and interact with and answer the questions that are put forth to it. Real life. Real questions. Real answers. There will be an orientation for parents & youth at a BBQ cookout at the Torhjelms on Wednesday September 26th at 6:30 pm. RSVP Heather (hferguson10@gmail.com) so well be able to prepare enough food. The plan is for the youth group to meet twice a month to study, build friendships, & be challenged to grow in their understanding of the gospel. Musicians Needed Are you interested in being a part of New City Church's music teams? Were looking for musicians, and were especially in need of drummers and lead guitar players! If you are interested or know someone who would be a great addition, please talk to Mark Bottomley or reach him at mbottomley@mac.com Housing Needed A soon-to-be-wed couple (on Sept.1) from our sister church in Vancouver, Faith PCA, will be relocating to Calgary. They are looking for a 1-2 bedroom suite to rent for a minimum of 6 months beginning in early September. The suite will mainly be occupied by Nicole, who is seeking employment in the city as a Licensed Practical Nurse. The other half, Andrew, will only be in town every third week as he works in the northern oil and gas camps of BC. They are non-smokers and do not have any pets. Please contact nicole_zandbergen@hotmail.com if you have anything available or if you have any questions.

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New City Dinner Clubs: September 28 & 29th Looking for a way to connect with others at New City Church? Wanting to deepen friendships? Then what better way than to participate in New City Dinner Clubs? Our monthly New City Dinner Clubs are groups of up to 8 adults who enjoy a meal & evening together. The host provides the main meal & the participants bring the sides. You can sign up to be a host or a participant. The dinner clubs change monthly, so no two dinner clubs are the same or are with the same people. The next New City Dinner Clubs will be held on Friday September 28th & Saturday September 29th, so sign-up online at NewCityChurch.ca community dinner clubs. Deadline to sign up is Sunday, September 23th. Weekly Servants Schedule

Giving Update

*Non-NCC indicates funds raised outside the congregation of New City Church to aid in this church planting project.

All songs used by permission. CCLI license # 273300. Parts of the worship service are adapted from or reprinted by permission from The Worship Sourcebook, c. 2004, CRC Publications.

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